A small but heartfelt Thank You to the SDMB

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

If you look at the upper right, you’ll see I signed up in January, 2000 after lurking for several months. (Yes, I could have been a 99’er if I’d acted just a bit quicker, but that’s for another thread.)

At the risk of incurring the mods’ displeasure, I will point out that this is my 1,000th post, though this is NOT a post party thread. If it’s taken me over four years to reach the humble four digits, it doesn’t mean I take the SDMB lightly.

On the contrary.

There have been times when, for technical and personal reasons I’ve been away as long as weeks at a time.

But I always keep coming back, even if I view WAY more than I post.

There are fascinating people here, with a store of knowledge and ignorance-fighting skills that continue to amaze me. Over the last four years I have had my eyes opened, my horizons broadened and my questions answered.

I’ve also found humor here, from appreciative chuckles to startle-the-guy-in-the-next-cubicle guffaws.

And people here have been unstinting with superb advice (and have been particularly patient with certain lame computer questions.)

So impressive has the level of discourse been, that it drew me into attending a couple of small dopefests, broadening my personal circle of acquaintences. Just last week, I got a call from Bumbazine, who was passing through my humble town, and we had a great lunch together, a pleasant time that would not have happened without these boards.

It’s great fun to build castles in the mental sandbox with all of you.

Thanks for all of it.

Hometownboy

2

I think…I think I love you.
Hometownboy, you complete me.

3

You had me at hello;)

This isn’t a PCP. It’s … a celebration of the board.

FWIW, I read a lot more than I post. A lot more.

4

Later — my wife may peer over my shoulder at any time.

But thanks, Dan Turk

Is it too early for a group hug?

5

I hear you.

The SDMB for me is like being at the most fantastic party on earth.

Lots of interesting things to read, lots of interesting people to interact with. I have laughed and even cried at some of the posts.

Quite awhile ago, I posted a thread asking for the most isolated member of the SDMB…it was interesting to see how many people live way out there…small towns and even geographical locations that take days to reach.

But everyone here is given the benefit of the doubt…treated equally unless they are a troll. I have seen really stupid questions treated with respect and given really great answers. I have seen posts that make me step back and re-evaluate my own thoughts on a subject. I have been turned onto new music, new films, new everything…

But you know what I think has been the biggest learning experience? I now think before opening my big mouth in real life situations. I have learned to listen. I have also learned how to express an opinion without being cruel/inconsiderate/rash. I have seen myself grow, and have been able to talk about things with my lover, with my family and with friends that I would never have even tried to talk about.

It is amazing, when you think about it. Here I sit in Las Vegas and can have an interesting discussion with people from all over the world and get viewpoints I would never have if I only listened to family and locals.

I still do not understand Republicans, but hey…like the banner states…it is taking longer than we thought.

6

January 2000? That’s impressive!

7

Hang around and you’ll learn how to spell humour.

:smiley:

8

I’m creeping up on my 4th anniversary of joining, and I have to say this sums up my experiences beautifully. Somehow, sitting and reading other points of view, often expressed eloquently, has had far more impact than hearing the same comments in passing.

Best of all, this occurs in an environment where appearance doesn’t matter. One needn’t worry about being discounted or ignored because one is blond or black or old or dressed differently or any other real life first impression. I myself have been amazed at some rather profound observations that were offered by someone who, it turns out, is quite young and not at all the sort of person I’d have socialized with away from here. I truly didn’t know what I might have been missing.

This is an incredible place. I’m so glad I found it.

9

I agree entirely FairyChatMom. The collective wisdom in this place is worth a million dollars.

10

Hometownboy, Congrats on the 1000th post. I agree with what you - and the other posters have said; This is a likeable board.

As you can see at my post count, I’m not much of a talker either. :wink:

*:: pouring champagne for the lot of us:: *

11

What Hometownboy, DMark, and FCM said. I read far, far more than I post, but what I’ve gained over the last 3.5 years has been invaluable.

12

Thanks to all. Every year I learn a little more about myself, most of it humbling. Fighting ignorance can be painful, when it’s your own, but in the company of excellence, it can also be a great deal of fun.

13

That’s good to hear, Hometownboy! :slight_smile:
We’re glad to have you, Hometownboy! :slight_smile:
Good old Hometownboy! :slight_smile:

Quick! Somebody tell me who the heck this is, before he gets wise!

:wink: :smiley: